September 19, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – September 19, 2025
National/Federal
After Kirk Killing, Political Leaders Pull Back from Public Appearances
MSN – Patrick Marley and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 9/13/2025
Elected officials and other political leaders are canceling or postponing in-person events, aiming to beef up security, and weighing how to engage with the public after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk intensified concerns that once-routine appearances have become too dangerous. Even before Kirk was shot dead, a wave of political violence had increased unease among public officials. Now, that anxiety has reached a new level, adding urgency to discussions in Congress, at state Capitols, and among activists and candidates.
Nadine Menendez, Wife of Ex-New Jersey Senator, Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison
MSN – Ella Lee (The Hill) | Published: 9/11/2025
The wife of former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced to more than four years in prison for her role in a scheme to trade her husband’s political power for lavish bribes. Nadine Menendez was convicted in April of plotting with her husband, the former chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to exchange his clout for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz.
Appeals Court Allows Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to Keep Her Job
MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 9/15/2025
A divided federal appeals court ruled Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook can keep her job, turning aside an appeal by the Trump administration that sought to fire her ahead of the central bank’s key meeting this week on setting interest rates. Trump has accused Cook of mortgage fraud, a charge she denies, and has sought her dismissal, but the three-judge panel said the president violated Cook’s rights by not giving her a chance to defend herself against the accusations.
More Employers Fire Workers Over Kirk Posts as Pressure from Right Mounts
MSN – Taylor Telford and Faiz Siddiqui (Washington Post) | Published: 9/16/2025
The wave of companies and other institutions firing or suspending employees over what they have said in reaction to the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has expanded in recent days, as some of his supporters in and outside the government amp up a push against speech they say crosses lines. At a time when people have unprecedented ability to share their instant reactions with vast audiences on social media, the actions by employers have stirred a debate over employees’ speech rights, the role of public pressure campaigns, and what is appropriate public commentary on a violent event like Kirk’s killing.
Retired 4-Star Navy Admiral Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Bribery Plot
MSN – Michael Kunzelman (Associated Press) | Published: 9/16/2025
A retired four-star U.S. Navy admiral was sentenced to six years in prison for his conviction on corruption charges that he agreed to exchange a military contract for a lucrative postretirement job. Retired Admiral Robert Burke, once the second-highest uniformed officer in the Navy, was commanding its forces in Europe and Africa when he engaged in a bribery plot with two business executives, according to federal prosecutors.
ActBlue Acquiring Dem Digital Firm as Its Mission Grows
MSN – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 9/17/2025
ActBlue is expanding beyond online fundraising by buying the Democratic digital organizing firm Impactive. It is the latest example of steps taken by ActBlue, the biggest donation processing tool for Democrats for two decades, to further expand its role in the campaign ecosystem. The platform has pitched the acquisition as serving smaller campaigns that cannot afford the more advanced digital tools used by large national groups.
Effort to Censure Rep. Ilhan Omar Over Charlie Kirk Comments Fails
MSN – Kadia Goba (Washington Post) | Published: 9/17/2025
A resolution to censure U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar over comments and a social media repost she made regarding conservative leader Charlie Kirk’s death failed. The resolution to censure Omar was the first legislative effort to punish someone perceived as a Kirk critic to come to a vote. Though it has failed, others remain in motion.
ABC Yanks Jimmy Kimmel’s Show ‘Indefinitely’ After Threat from Trump’s FCC Chair
MSN – Brian Stelter, Elizabeth Wagmeister, and Liam Reilly (CNN) | Published: 9/18/2025
Walt Disney-owned ABC said it was pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live” off the air indefinitely, after comments by the late-night show’s host about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk prompted a threat by the head of the Federal Communications Commission against Disney. At least two major owners of ABC-affiliated stations subsequently said they would preempt Kimmel’s show, sparking speculation the owners were trying to curry favor with the Trump administration. The local media conglomerates are each seeking mergers that would require administration approval.
From the States and Municipalities
Europe – France Targets Non-EU Lobbyists in New Foreign Interference Crackdown
Euractiv – Magnus Lund Nielsen | Published: 9/18/2025
France will set up a new public transparency registry of foreign influence activities next year, as part of broader efforts to curb external interference. Under a new decree, anyone lobbying or carrying out political influence work in France “under the direction or control” of a non-European Union country will be required to sign up with France’s lobbyists watchdog, the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life.
Alaska – Former Alaska AG Treg Taylor Asks for Exemption from Financial Disclosure Requirements
Yahoo News – James Brooks (Alaska Beacon) | Published: 9/12/2025
Ahead of an expected run for governor, former Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor is asking the state’s campaign finance regulator to exempt him from a law that requires he disclose who is renting apartments in several Anchorage buildings he owns. Under state law, public officials must file an annual financial disclosure form that lists the sources of their income, including rental income, if it is above $1,000.
Arizona – Arizona Supreme Court Weighs Fate of Voter-Approved ‘Dark Money’ Disclosure Law
Yahoo News – Jerod MacDonald-Evoy (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 9/11/2025
Since Arizona voters in 2022 approved Proposition 211, the Voters Right to Know Act, opponents of the law have challenged its constitutionality. It requires the disclosure of any “original source” of contributions greater than $5,000 if the money is used to pay for media expenditures of more than $50,000 in a statewide election or $25,000 in a local election. At the Arizona Supreme Court, plaintiffs said mandating disclosure of the source of political spending violates the state constitution’s protections of free speech, association, and separation of powers.
Arizona – Coconino Prosecutors Will Investigate Rodney Glassman Over Alleged Campaign Finance Violations
Yahoo News – Jerod MacDonald-Evoy (Arizona Mirror) | Published: 9/12/2025
After numerous counties turned down the case over the past few weeks, Coconino County agreed to investigate allegations that Republican candidate for state Attorney General Rodney Glassman violated campaign finance law. Glassman, a perennial candidate for elected office in Arizona, is accused of accepting at least 30 contributions above the contribution limits spelled out by state law.
California – California Passes Bill Curbing Utilities Use of Ratepayer Money for Political Spending
Energy and Policy Institute – Stephanie Chase | Published: 9/16/2025
California is the seventh state to pass a bill limiting investor-owned utilities from using customer money to pay for political and lobbying costs. Assembly Bill 1167 includes provisions prohibiting investor-owned utilities from using customer money to support utility political activities, promotional advertising, and dues for trade associations that conduct political activities.
California – Alameda County Board Rejects Bid to Raise Donation Limits in Supervisor Campaigns
MSN – Kiley Russell (Bay City News) | Published: 9/12/2025
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors declined a proposal to substantially increase campaign contribution limits. The proposal would have increased the amount of money individual donors can give supervisor candidates from $20,000 to $40,000 per election. It would have also increased the limit for donors giving to candidates for countywide offices like district attorney or sheriff from $40,000 to $60,000 per election.
California – Jesus Cardenas Fined $5,000 for San Diego Ethics Violation
MSN – Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 9/12/2025
Jesus Cardenas agreed to pay $5,000 to settle allegations he violated San Diego’s ethics rules when he participated in lobbying contacts as a city official. Cardenas ran the political consulting firm Grassroots Resources while also serving as chief of staff to Councilperson Stephen Whitburn. Cardenas took meetings with client Blue Water Government Affairs in 2021, months after disclosing the lobbying firm paid him more than $10,000 for political consulting work.
California – UC Takes Heat for Sharing Student, Faculty Names with Trump Administration
Yahoo News – Eric He (Politico) | Published: 9/16/2025
The University of California at Berkeley faced continued backlash for its decision to disclose the names of 160 students, faculty, and staff to Trump administration officials as part of an investigation into allegations the school fostered an atmosphere of antisemitism. The disclosure of the names comes as the federal government continues to wage a campaign to upend elite institutions of higher education that it launched in the wake of campus protests over Israel’s war against Hamas.
Florida – Former Miami-Dade Commissioner Gets Prison Time but Allowed to Remain Free for Now
Yahoo News – Douglas Hanks (Miami Herald) | Published: 9/15/2025
Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe Martinez received a nearly three-year prison sentence for what a jury concluded was accepting money in exchange for sponsoring legislation to help a business owner. Judge Miguel de la O said he thought the 34-month minimum sentence called for under state guidelines was too harsh. He is allowing Martinez to remain free during the appeals process, which is expected to take at least a year.
Georgia – Fani Willis Loses Bid to Regain Control of Trump Georgia Case
MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 9/16/2025
The Georgia Supreme Court declined to hear Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s appeal of a lower-court decision that disqualified her from the criminal racketeering case against President Trump and several allies charged with illegally conspiring to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss in the state. The decision probably dooms the high-profile prosecution, the last active criminal case against Trump, who has sought to have charges dropped, citing his return to the presidency.
Hawaii – Hawai’i Supreme Court: OHA trustees bound by state ethics code
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 9/17/2025
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs are considered state employees and must abide by the state ethics code. The ruling stems from a series of ethics violations against former Trustee Rowena Akana, who was found to have accepted illegal gifts and used her trustee allowance for personal use on food purchases and Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club membership. The court’s opinion also upheld the 47 ethics violations against Akana as well as a $23,000 fine.
Chicago Sun Times – Lizzie Kane | Published: 9/15/2025
Former Ald. Walter Burnett – Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick to run the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) – and his wife Darlena Williams-Burnett have been paid more than $260,000 as housing voucher landlords for the agency since 2007. The Burnetts have had 10 contracts for properties rented to CHA voucher holders, including two ongoing contracts and five that were active while Williams-Burnett worked for the city agency. The payments to Burnett and his wife could be a roadblock to his appointment to lead the nation’s third-largest public housing authority.
Maryland – Campaign Announcements Highlight ‘Glaring Hole’ in Maryland Election Law
MSN – Sam Janesch (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 9/17/2025
When Sen. Steve Hershey said he might run for governor of Maryland, he said he would launch an exploratory committee to begin raising money and engage with voters before making a final decision. That was a slight misnomer, according to the State Board of Elections. Hershey, instead, is in the process of creating the type of formal campaign committee he could continue to use if he decides to run later this year. But the announcement reignited concerns about a loophole in the law in which a potential candidate can raise money in unlimited amounts without disclosing the donors to “explore” their viability.
Massachusetts – Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott Accused of Using Campaign Cash for Personal Use
MSN – Chris Van Buskirk (Boston Herald) | Published: 9/15/2025
Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott agreed to pay a $7,500 penalty and hand over tens of thousands of dollars in campaign cash to resolve allegations he misused political funds to contract services for personal business ventures instead of efforts to stay in elected office. In an agreement with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, regulators said McDermott made more than $31,000 in payments to 10 vendors where the documentation was either incomplete or indicated the money was used to serve a now-defunct real estate holding company or himself.
Massachusetts – MassGOP to Pay $36K After Allegations of Illegal Donations
MSN – Ross Cristantiello (Boston.com) | Published: 9/11/2025
The Massachusetts Republican Party faced allegations of taking tens of thousands of dollars in unlawful donation, including from the campaign of a congressional candidate who is now serving prison time, and has now agreed to pay the state more than $36,000 in a settlement agreement. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance flagged 11 donations the GOP received in 2022. By far the largest contribution, a check for $27,723.45, came from the congressional campaign of Dean Tran.
Michigan – Michigan Democrats Propose Penalties for Lying About Elections
Yahoo News – Hayley Harding (Votebeat) | Published: 9/11/2025
Intentionally lying about elections could draw a fine under a new bill proposed by Michigan Senate Democrats. The legislation would impose a $1,000 fine on anyone who knowingly lies about elections or a voter’s eligibility. Employers who had someone working for them “for election-related purposes,” such as a lobbyist who suggests certain groups are not eligible to vote early, could face a fine of up to $10,000.
Minnesota – Democrat Elected to Fill Seat of Minnesota Lawmaker Killed in June
MSN – Patrick Svitek and Sabrina Rodriguez (Washington Post) | Published: 9/16/2025
Democrat Xp Lee won a somber special election to fill the seat of former Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman. Lee was projected to defeat Republican Ruth Bittner, keeping the seat in Democratic hands and restoring an even divide between the two major parties in the House. The candidates competed in a race they wished was not happening. Hortman was shot dead, along with her husband, at their home in June.
Missouri – Missouri Senate Passes Trump-Backed Plan That Could Help Republicans Win an Additional US House Seat
MSN – David Lieb (Associated Press) | Published: 9/12/2025
Missouri Republicans passed a redistricting plan that could help Republicans win an additional U.S. House seat in next year’s elections. The Senate vote sends the redistricting plan to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who said he will sign it into law soon. But opponents immediately announced a referendum petition that, if successful, could force a statewide vote on the new map.
New York – Former New York Prosecutor Maurene Comey Sues Over Firing by Justice Department
MSN – Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) | Published: 9/15/2025
Maurene Comey, a former federal prosecutor who handled cases against sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, sued the Justice Department for firing her allegedly because her father is disliked by President Trump. The lawsuit alleges the Justice Department offered no rationale for Comey’s firing and it was an illegal and political move. Her father is James Comey, a former FBI director whom Trump has long criticized.
New York – Cuomo’s Campaign Unlocked Matching Funds on Donations from Minors in Violation of CFB Rules
Yahoo News – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 9/10/2025
Andrew Cuomo’s New York City mayoral campaign unlocked $4,000 in public matching funds off donations made in the names of minors in violation of fundraising compliance laws, according to records. The donors whose contributions produced the questionable matching cash include a five-year-old son of a prominent Cuomo supporter. The program’s rules are strict and include a prohibition on candidates seeking matching funds on contributions from anyone under 18.
Ohio – Cleveland City Council Votes to Censure Joe Jones After ‘Joking Remark’ About Killing a Staff Member
MSN – Sean McDonnell (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 9/15/2025
The Cleveland City Council censured Councilperson Joe Jones for breaking the workplace violence and standards of conduct policies. Jones said a “joking remark” he made was twisted and magnified into a controversy. Jones, who is accused of threatening to kill a staffer, said what was happening to him proved any member of the council could be targeted and punished without due process.
Oklahoma – Former Oklahoma Lawmaker Files Ballot Measure to Overhaul Legislative Process
Yahoo News – Barbara Hoberock (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 9/17/2025
A former Oklahoma lawmaker wants to dramatically alter how the Legislature conducts business. Former Rep. Charles Key filed paperwork to circulate a proposed constitutional amendment that would require three bills from every lawmaker to be heard in committee. State Question 839 would also require any bills advanced from committee to be heard on the House or Senate floor. Key said lobbyists and large money donors behind the scenes pick which bills get heard.
Oklahoma – Gamefowl Commission to Pay $10,000 in Settlement with Oklahoma Ethics Commission
Yahoo News – Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Voice) | Published: 9/17/2025
The Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission PAC will pay $10,000 and dissolve following a settlement with the state Ethics Commission for violating campaign finance laws. The Gamefowl Commission, which had advocated for lessening cockfighting penalties, must dissolve within 30 days and cannot form a new affiliated PAC for two years.
Oregon – Oregon Ethics Commission to Investigate Travel by 4 Washington County Commissioners
MSN – Jamie Goldberg (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 9/12/2025
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted to investigate whether four members of the Washington County commission violated state ethics law during trips they took on behalf of the county sewer agency. Investigators said Chairperson Kathryn Harrington and commissioners Pam Treece, Jerry Willey, and Nafisa Fai may have committed violations by receiving airline miles for trips they took on behalf of the agency, Clean Water Services. In addition, investigators said Harrington and Treece may have violated rules by tacking on personal vacation to the business trips.
Rhode Island – Lawmakers Changed RI’s Campaign Finance Rules. It’s Giving Foulkes a 2026 Fundraising Edge.
USA Today – Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 9/15/2025
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, who is challenging Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee in a rematch of 2022, has built a healthy financial advantage, in part thanks to the higher individual donation limit that went into effect in 2024. Her ability to extract twice as much from each donor annually – $2,000 instead of $1,000 – has not only helped her to build a money edge over McKee, but also to narrow the financial gap with Rhode Island’s reigning fundraising champion, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who shepherded the bill through the House and who could still decide to jump into the gubernatorial race.
Rhode Island – Former R.I. Senator and Housing Leader Fined $2,500 for Breaking Campaign Finance Laws
Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 9/17/2025
Former Rhode Island Senate Majority Leader Daniel Connors paid a $2,500 fine for unreported and misused campaign finance funds under an agreement with the Board of Elections. Connors has not held elected office since 2010. But he kept his campaign finance account open through subsequent jobs as a senior adviser to Gov. Gina Raimondo, and a high-ranking official under Gov. Dan McKee, including as interim secretary of the Department of Housing.
South Carolina – SC Supreme Court Upholds Voting Map, Throws Out Partisan Gerrymandering Claim
Yahoo News – Jessica Holdman (South Carolina Daily Gazette) | Published: 9/17/2025
The state Supreme Court upheld South Carolina’s congressional voting lines by ruling there is nothing unconstitutional about partisan gerrymandering. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in May 2024 that the lines did not racially discriminate, the League of Women Voters sued in state court, using Republicans’ arguments it was party, not race, that influenced the redrawing.
Tennessee – Cade Cothren, Aide to Ex-TN House Speaker Casada, Sentenced to 2.5 Years Prison
Yahoo News – Evan Mealins (Tennessean) | Published: 9/16/2025
Cade Cothren, former chief of staff to Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined $25,000 for corruption tied to a political mailer scheme. Casada and Cothren were convicted of setting up a secret company called Phoenix Solutions that tapped into the state’s postage and printing program that provides House members $3,000 a year for constituent mailers.
Texas – Did the Top Texas Funeral Regulator Illegally Lobby the Legislature? The Law Is Murky, Experts Say
KERA – Toluwani Osibamowo | Published: 9/10/2025
In just two months, the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) fired its executive director, along with three people who supported him, sued the ex-employees who publicly discussed their firings, then dismissed that lawsuit. Before and after their firings, the former staffers maintained that Kristin Tips, TFSC’s head commissioner, improperly advocated for bills in the Legislature that could benefit her own funeral business and used state resources to do it, actions they say constitute illegal lobbying.
MSN – Emily Anderson Stern (Salt Lake Tribune) | Published: 9/15/2025
Current congressional maps drawn by the Utah Legislature in defiance of a passed voter initiative banning gerrymandering will, for now, not be reinstated, the state Supreme Court ruled. Attorneys for lawmakers asked that justices pause the portion of a District Court ruling that would have kept the boundaries in place until the Legislature adopts new ones and any appeals of the ruling conclude. If the high court had agreed, it would have opened the possibility of the current maps remaining in place for at least the 2026 midterm elections, if not longer.
Vermont – Ethics Take a Backseat in Vermont, Under-Funded Commission Not Taking New Municipal Cases
VTDigger.org – Auditi Guha | Published: 9/16/2025
The Vermont State Ethics Commission was established by the Legislature in 2018 as an independent, non-partisan agency to promote standards of ethical conduct in state government. A 2024 law gave it more purview over ethical standards for local governments, but the commission stopped offering services to municipalities in May, according to an announcement on the website, “due to lack of staffing.” It is continuing to accept complaints related to state government.
West Virginia – West Virginia Ethics Commission Promises to Focus on Mandatory Lobbyist Training
Parkersburg News and Sentinel – Steven Allen Adams | Published: 9/11/2025
A performance review of the West Virginia Ethics Commission conducted by legislative auditors revealed disparities between the commission The Performance Evaluation and Research Division found that while the commission demonstrated high effectiveness in ensuring lobbyists report their activities, the audit identified critical failures in the administration of ethics training requirements.
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